Advanced Customs Laboratory Infrastructure and Schematic Design for Chattogram Custom House

Project Overview

Chattogram Custom House (CCH), a critical gateway for Bangladesh’s international seaborne trade, plays a pivotal role in revenue protection, regulatory enforcement, and efficient cargo clearance. Under the Customs Modernization and Infrastructure Development (CMID) Project–NBR, Innovate Engineering & Development engaged TRACE Consulting to develop the infrastructure plan and schematic design for a proposed state-of-the-art, seven-story Advanced Customs Laboratory in Chattogram.

TRACE conducted a technical needs assessment of customs testing requirements, commodity flows, analytical instrumentation, laboratory workflows, and environmental safety, incorporating ISO/IEC 17025 facility requirements and international customs laboratory practices. The resulting multi-story design integrates specialized testing zones for petroleum, chemicals, textiles, and advanced instrumental analysis (NGS, MALTI-TOF, GC-MS, LC-MS, and FTIR), supported by controlled HVAC systems, chemical-resistant drainage, centralized gas distribution, secure sample traceability, and provisions for digital integration with LIMS and customs clearance systems.

The project establishes a strategic infrastructure blueprint for faster, reliable, and evidence-based cargo testing at the port of entry. Once implemented, the facility is expected to accelerate customs clearance, strengthen HS tariff classification, reduce revenue leakage, enhance chemical safety, and advance Bangladesh’s compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

Project Scopes

Execute the critical translation of complex technical programs into precise, scaled single-line schematic layouts across seven floors for high-stakes testing facilities.
Rigorously define exact functional zoning architectures and essential primary circulation paths to establish absolutely segregated environments for textile, electrical, food, and hard goods analysis.
Strategically map over 1,500 specific equipment items and vital auxiliary supports, integrating highly specialized design parameters to safeguard ultra-sensitive, vibration-isolated machinery.
Outline mission-critical laboratory utilities imperative for optimal safety and functionality, specifically detailing heavy-duty HVAC, industrial power, water systems, and dedicated gas lines.
Design critical pressure-controlled clean suites for sensitive molecular work, alongside strictly dedicated zones equipped with specialized exhaust systems for high-heat thermal analysis and furnaces.

Key Outcomes

Delivered a schematic layout for a 7-story, 55,700 sq. ft. high-tech laboratory.
Engineered specialized zones for analytical, molecular microbiology, biosciences, textile, leather, fuel, electrical, and materials testing.
Validated horizontal and vertical zoning to separate clean analytical areas from contaminated sample receiving while optimizing personnel and waste transit.
Strategically mapped 1,500+ equipment items, including vibration-isolated mounts for sensitive machinery.
Integrated complex MEP requirements, including dedicated gas lines, specialized exhaust systems, and pressure-controlled clean suites.
Implemented a modular design grid and flexible casework to accommodate evolving testing technologies.
Established emergency pathways and strategic placement for fume hoods, eyewash stations, and safety showers.
Developed the structural organogram and manpower requirements for functionalizing the laboratory.

Advanced Customs Laboratory Infrastructure and Schematic Design for Chattogram Custom House

Project Overview

Project Scopes

Key Outcomes

Subject Matter Experts

Service Areas

Have a project in mind? Let's build something that lasts